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KBB Names Lowest Cost-to-Own 2015 Models

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) has announced the 2015 model-year vehicles and brands with the lowest projected ownership costs. These awards are based on KBB’s “5-Year Cost to Own” data for new cars for the initial five-year ownership period.

While depreciation (or loss of value) and fuel costs could be the greatest expense incurred in owning a vehicle, there are other factors that can have an impact on a consumer’s budget.

Found on KBB.com, “5-Year Cost to Own” information looks at expected fuels costs, depreciation, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs as well as state fees for new vehicle models.

"New-car shoppers usually pay a lot of attention to how much a car will cost upfront; however, sometimes an even more expensive car on the front end can actually save you money during the first five years of ownership by having low total ownership costs," said Dan Ingle, vice president of vehicle valuations for Kelley Blue Book. "Kelley Blue Book's 5-Year Cost to Own information evaluates the other out-of-pocket expenses drivers will incur beyond the initial purchase price, which helps consumers choose the vehicle that fits their needs and their long-term budget best, helping save money down the road."

Winners

2015 5-Year Cost to Own Award: Brand — Subaru

2015 5-Year Cost to Own Award: Luxury Brand — Lincoln

2015 5-Year Cost to Own Awards: By Vehicle Category

SUBCOMPACT CAR: Chevrolet Spark

COMPACT CAR: Toyota Corolla

SPORTY COMPACT CAR: Honda Civic Si

MID-SIZE CAR: Mazda MAZDA6

FULL-SIZE CAR: Chevrolet Impala

ENTRY-LEVEL LUXURY CAR: Buick Verano

LUXURY CAR: Audi A5

HIGH-END LUXURY CAR: Lexus LS

SPORTS CAR: Mazda MX-5 Miata

HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAR: Ford Mustang GT

HYBRID/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY CAR: Toyota Prius c

PLUG-IN VEHICLE: Chevrolet Spark EV

COMPACT SUV/CROSSOVER: Jeep Patriot

MID-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

FULL-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: Ford Explorer

LUXURY COMPACT SUV/CROSSOVER: Buick Encore

LUXURY MID-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: Lincoln MKX

LUXURY FULL-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: Buick Enclave

MID-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab

FULL-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK: GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab

MINIVAN/VAN: Mazda MAZDA5

HYBRID SUV/CROSSOVER: Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Kelley Blue Book’s “5-Year Cost to Own” information is developed using Kelley Blue Book Residual Values to calculate depreciation costs. Kelley Blue Book calculates total ownership costs for new vehicles by applying a sophisticated valuation methodology along with critical financial data from third-party providers, according to the company.